TOP FLIGHT
Golf gun Karis Davidson books ticket to big time
GOLD Coast’s next golfing gun has emerged, with teen Karis Davidson breaking through a huge barrier by earning full playing rights for the 2018 Japanese LPGA Tour.
Davidson, who does not turn 20 until July, successfully manoeuvred her way through four gruelling stages of qualifying tournaments played in Mie prefecture and Kobe.
The qualifying system for the Japanese circuit is considered the toughest of all international tours.
An aggregate score of twounder par for the four stages gave Davidson a finish of 11th, more than good enough to ensure she can enter all of next year’s schedule.
“It was tough mentally because it was such a test and every shot was vitally important,” Davidson said.
“Now I have full exemption which I’m very happy about.”
Davidson was two-over par in the first qualifying stage, shot six-under in the second, had a seven-over in windy conditions in the third and closed with a five-under final stage.
“The Tour starts in March but I have not really set any goals yet,” Davidson said.
“But I do like Japanese courses, the layouts and the grass, and I find them really interesting.”
Davidson will base herself in Nagoya where boyfriend Ryo Nakashima’s parents live.
She said she preferred to try Japan for her maiden tilt as a professional rather than Europe or the US.
“I wanted to do something different, but mainly because I really like Japan – the culture, the food and golf courses – and it’s closer to home for now,” she said.
“But I definitely would love to play in the US later on.”
Davidson’s ability with the clubs is evidenced by the fact that, as a 15-year-old, she lost the Australian Amateur final to current Australian No.1 golfer Minjee Lee.
She has turned professional as the No.1 ranked female amateur in Australia.